Tributes have been paid by members of Neath Port Talbot Council to a former leader who died after being hit by a car. Thomas Noel Crowley, 86, of Port Talbot, died in hospital in December 2024, as a result of the injuries he sustained.
A former councillor, mayor, and leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Crowley was also awarded a CBE from Queen Elizabeth II for his community service, and spent his entire life living in the Port Talbot area. Speaking at a full council meeting held on January 8, members paid tribute to the former councillor who was elected as the first ever leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, leading the authority through what was described as its first eight “difficult years”.
Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Matthew Crowley, who is the current mayor of the borough said: “His service to the Sandfields East, Port Talbot, and then Neath Port Talbot Council was exemplary. He led with passion, determination, wisdom, excellent judgement, intelligence and a sense of justice, with an understanding of what was the right thing to do even if it wasn’t the popular choice.”
Those in the chamber later stood for a minute’s silence in tribute to Mr Crowley as well as to other former council members and members of staff who had recently passed away. Mr Crowley’s family also paid tribute to him in a statement that read: “Thomas Philip Noel Crowley, locally known as ‘Noel’ was a well-known member of the community and a devout Catholic.
“He grew up and lived all of his life in Port Talbot. He met his adored wife Anne in 1954, and they married in 1957. He earned his trade as a bricklayer and worked for Hecketts, an American contracting company in the Steel Works, where he was deputy manager.
“He built many things for many people and would be the go-to man for advice, possessing great wisdom and judgement. He served the area for many years as a member of St Vincent de Paul, a local councillor, mayor and leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, hugely supported by his wife Anne. His community service was acknowledged by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II when she awarded him with his CBE.
“His other accolades include Deputy Lieutenant, Order of St John, Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice and Freeman of the Borough. He and Anne were together for 70 years and they did everything for and with each other. She supported him in everything he did. He was a devoted family man and a key carer for his grandson Sam who has autism, looking after his every need.
“In retirement, he loved to play golf and made many friends during his time as a member of Pyle & Kenfig golf club. He retired from golf a year ago to be with his wife Anne, who has been suffering from ill health.
“He was dearly loved by all his family, of whom he was hugely proud, including his two deceased sons, Tyrone and Timothy. He greeted everyone with a smile, had a wonderful ability to make you laugh and was a great storyteller. He achieved great things in his life but his greatest gift was the selfless way he loved and cared for others.” For the latest Neath Port Talbot news sign up to our newsletter here.